There is a free e-book on Amazon today:
This Means War: Equipping Christian Families for Foster Care or Adoption
As an adoptive or foster parent, have you ever felt in over your head, and about to sink? You're not alone! This Means War was written to lift you up and give you a second wind!
Happy, successful, easy adoptions are a reality! Many times the children are no more or less difficult to parent than average. However, sometimes raising adopted kids is extremely difficult.
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Fetal Alcohol effects... bonding attachment disorder... self-abusive... violent, destructive, aggressive... fire starter... _______________________________________________________________
Are you really prepared to adopt? Read on as experienced foster, adoptive and even grandparents share stories of success, but also of struggles.
Many entered adoption unprepared and were quickly overwhelmed. We wondered why our parenting methods failed. Why didn't our love heal these children? Why were our previously happy families now falling apart?
We lacked vital information about invisible disabilities; we didn't know how profoundly neglect damages an infant. We didn't realize we'd signed up to be missionaries to miniature heathens - nor that a spiritual enemy opposed us. Perhaps we assumed the natural state of man, apart from negative influence or defective genes, would be an ideal person; in the Garden of Eden... maybe.
We're not in the Garden anymore!
Before, during and after you adopt, pray for protection and guidance - and be sure you read This Means War!
"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...'" (Isaiah 30:15a NIV)
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46
Showing posts with label foster care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foster care. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Take me out to the Ballgame!
I was able to get three season (or what's left of it) tickets to our local minor league baseball team for $18!!! So, the boys and I went last night to watch a game. We had a nice time, even though the home team lost. AT managed to catch a pack of peanuts thrown to the fans so we feasted on those the last few innings. It actually wasn't too hot so the game was very enjoyable.
The team photographer came by and took pictures, so go check them out.
Minor Leage Game 1
Game Picture 2
We actually saw some friends from church who are trying to adopt two girls from foster care. When I asked her how things were going, she gave me the look! Needless to say, it wasn't going well. They've been working towards adopting these girls for a LONG time, but at the rate things are going, we might have DJ home before they get the girls.
The team photographer came by and took pictures, so go check them out.
Minor Leage Game 1
Game Picture 2
We actually saw some friends from church who are trying to adopt two girls from foster care. When I asked her how things were going, she gave me the look! Needless to say, it wasn't going well. They've been working towards adopting these girls for a LONG time, but at the rate things are going, we might have DJ home before they get the girls.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Aging out of US Foster Care
Below are some statistics on kids that age out of US foster care without having been adopted. These are kids that live in a western, democratic society, with fewer societal stigmas associated with females/orphans/special needs who have been afforded the opportunity for a free education.
Why would we think things would be BETTER for orphans in most other countries with more social stigmas and less economic opportunity? The bottom line is - growing up without a loving committed family does not usually lead to a successful outcome - no matter where you live.
4-6 years after aging out:
16% of males were incarcerated
24% of young adults had been homeles
28% had couch surfed
21% were living with bio parents or other relatives
75% had a high school diploma/GED
6% had a 2/4 yr degree
48% were employed at the time of the survey
hourly wage was between $9.45 and $10.14
75% of females (including 89% of custodial mothers) and 33% of males had received government benefits
75% of females had been pregnant (66% more than once)
42% of males had been arrested
20% of females had been arrested
23% of males had been convicted of a crime
8% of females had been convicted of a crime
source: Midwest Study of Kids that aged out of foster care
Why would we think things would be BETTER for orphans in most other countries with more social stigmas and less economic opportunity? The bottom line is - growing up without a loving committed family does not usually lead to a successful outcome - no matter where you live.
4-6 years after aging out:
16% of males were incarcerated
24% of young adults had been homeles
28% had couch surfed
21% were living with bio parents or other relatives
75% had a high school diploma/GED
6% had a 2/4 yr degree
48% were employed at the time of the survey
hourly wage was between $9.45 and $10.14
75% of females (including 89% of custodial mothers) and 33% of males had received government benefits
75% of females had been pregnant (66% more than once)
42% of males had been arrested
20% of females had been arrested
23% of males had been convicted of a crime
8% of females had been convicted of a crime
source: Midwest Study of Kids that aged out of foster care
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